When her mother dies, fifteen-year-old Keelie Heartwood is forced to leave her beloved California to live with her nomadic father at a renaissance festival in Colorado. After arriving, Keelie finds men in tights and women in trailer trash-tight bodices roaming half-drunk, calling each other lady and lord even after closing time! Playacting the Dark Ages is an L.A. girl’s worst nightmare.

Keelie has a plan to ditch this medieval geekland ASAP, but while she plots, strange things start happening—eerie, yet familiar. When Keelie starts seeing fairies and communicating with trees, she uncovers a secret that links her to a community of elves. As Keelie tries to come to grips with her elfin roots, disaster strikes, and Keelie’s identity isn’t the only thing that’s threatened.

One part human determination and one part elfin magic, Keelie Heartwood is a witty new heroine in a world where fantasy and reality mix with extraordinary results.

VOYA review:
"A promising premise…dedicated teen fantasy fans might enjoy the unsual atmosphere of the Renaissance fair setting in this first book in the planned Faire Folk Trilogy."

LOCUS Magazine review:
"In the recent flood of YA novels featuring rebellious teens who discover the supernatural world, this one stands out thanks primarily to the quirky ren-faire setting, some interesting wood magic, and a cat with serious attitude."

KLIATT, November 2007 review:
...Summers's book is one of those remarkable tales in which the reader becomes completely immersed. Keelie is a heroine who can be strong and noble, yet who also worries about the effect of the humidity on her hair. The tale will please a wide age range due to the plot and quality of the writing, although Keelie's age (15) may deter older readers. For most audiences, though, Summers's tale will be enjoyed not only in its own right, but also will have readers eagerly anticipating books two and three in the promised trilogy. - Cara Chancellor, Hollywood, FL

School Library Journal, February 2008 review:
...the constant action, both magical and otherwise, will keep them interested in Keelie's fate. This first installment of a trilogy ends with a solid resolution that answers questions but leaves room for further adventures.– Danielle M. Margarida, Sharon Public Library, MA